Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani reaffirmed Malaysia’s enduring competitiveness in the global rubber glove market despite a 19 per cent tariff imposed by the United States. Presenting the figures during his closing remarks at the Dewan Rakyat on 21 August 2025, he revealed that rubber glove exports surpassed RM6 billion between January and May this year. The United States continues to be the top destination, accounting for approximately 46 per cent of Malaysia’s rubber glove exports so far in 2025, reaffirming its status as the country’s primary market.
Johari emphasized that although Malaysia relies heavily on the U.S. market, it maintains a diversified export portfolio, serving more than 160 countries worldwide, with the European Union, Japan, and China following as key destinations.
Significantly, the current 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian exports—matched by Thailand—is considerably lower than the 55 per cent tariff faced by China. This disparity, Johari argued, gives Malaysia a tangible competitive edge over its closest regional competitors. Further solidifying its position, Malaysia controls about 40 per cent of the global rubber glove market. Johari also stressed that the quality of Malaysian gloves continues to make the country the preferred choice for buyers globally.
These recent tariffs were enacted through a U.S. executive order signed on 31 July 2025, which amended Executive Order 14257 and revised ad valorem duties across multiple ASEAN nations, including Malaysia.
